Strawberries & Cream Lemonade

Ingredients:

2 cups ice
1 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 5-7 lemons)
1 ½ – 2 cups fresh strawberries
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Pinch of salt
5-6 cups cold water
Optional: mashed strawberries and lemon slices for garnish

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

To start, you’ll need to prep your strawberries. Wash 1 ½ to 2 cups of fresh strawberries and remove the stems. Add the strawberries to a blender and blend until smooth. If you prefer a smoother drink without seeds, you can strain the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds. However, if you enjoy the texture, you can skip the straining step and keep the puree as is.

Step 2: Juice the Lemons

The fresh lemon juice is a key ingredient in this recipe. Depending on the size of your lemons, you’ll need about 5-7 to yield 1 ¼ cups of juice. Roll the lemons on the counter before cutting them to help release the juices. Once you’ve juiced the lemons, set the juice aside.

Step 3: Mix the Lemonade Base

In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the strawberry puree. Add the entire 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk. This is what gives the lemonade its creamy richness and balances out the tartness of the lemons and strawberries. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Stir everything well until fully combined. The mixture will appear creamy and pink from the strawberries and milk.

Step 4: Add Water and Ice

Next, add 5-6 cups of cold water to the mixture. This will dilute the lemonade to the right consistency. Stir the mixture again to ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated. After that, add 2 cups of ice to the pitcher to chill the lemonade and give it that refreshing, cool quality. If you prefer your lemonade to be more or less intense, adjust the amount of water accordingly. You can add more water for a lighter flavor or use less for a stronger, creamier drink.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

At this point, it’s important to taste the lemonade and make any necessary adjustments. If you like your lemonade sweeter, you can add a bit more sweetened condensed milk, or if it’s too sweet for your taste, add a bit more lemon juice. You can also adjust the water level if needed. The key is to find the right balance of sweet, tart, and creamy to suit your personal preference.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, garnish your Strawberries & Cream Lemonade with some mashed strawberries and lemon slices. Simply mash a few strawberries with a fork and add them to the bottom of each glass for a burst of fresh strawberry flavor. Add a lemon slice to the rim of each glass or drop it into the lemonade for a decorative touch. Pour the lemonade over ice and serve immediately.

Variations and Tips

This recipe is versatile, and there are several ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations you can try:

Sparkling Strawberries & Cream Lemonade: If you want a little fizz, replace half of the cold water with sparkling water or club soda. This will give the lemonade a bubbly, effervescent texture that’s perfect for special occasions.
Frozen Strawberries & Cream Lemonade: For a frozen treat, blend the lemonade with additional ice or frozen strawberries to create a slushy version of this drink. It’s great for hot summer days when you want something extra cold.
Berry Blend Lemonade: You can substitute or combine strawberries with other fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry lemonade. The combination of berries adds even more depth of flavor and color.
Adult Version: Add a splash of vodka, rum, or even champagne for a grown-up version of this lemonade. It can make for a fantastic summer cocktail at a party or celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?
Yes, this lemonade can be made ahead of time, making it a great choice for parties or gatherings. Simply mix all the ingredients (except for the ice and garnish) and store the lemonade in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, stir well and add the ice and garnishes just before serving. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well in this recipe. Thaw them first, then blend them into a puree. Frozen strawberries are often picked at peak ripeness, so they still bring great flavor to the lemonade. If you use them frozen, they will also help to chill the lemonade.

Q: How can I make this lemonade less sweet?
If you find the sweetened condensed milk makes the lemonade too sweet for your liking, you can use less of it or add more lemon juice to cut through the sweetness. You can also replace part of the sweetened condensed milk with regular milk or almond milk for a lighter version.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons aren’t available. Just make sure to adjust the quantity as bottled lemon juice can sometimes be more concentrated.

Strawberries & Cream Lemonade is a delightful, creamy, and refreshing twist on traditional lemonade that combines the tangy taste of lemons with the sweetness of strawberries and the richness of sweetened condensed milk. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to fit any occasion, whether you’re making it for a casual afternoon treat or serving it at a summer party. With its beautiful pink color and perfectly balanced flavors, this lemonade is sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious and creamy refreshment that’s perfect for warm weather!